James Ellis

James Baxter ‘Jim’ Ellis, 87, longtime Aberdeen resident and former operating engineer, died Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Hoquiam. Jim was born on July 19, 1926 in Juanita, WA to Walter Harrison and Mae Delia (Frisk) Ellis. He grew up in Duvall and Tolt area and graduated from Tolt High School in 1944. Jim joined the US Army in March 1946. He was Honorably Discharged in April 1947. Joined the Washington National Guard in September 1949. In August 1950 He was called to Active Duty in the Marine Corps and sent to the Korean Conflict as a Mortar Gunner in a number of campaigns including the Chosin Campaign in which he was injured. Jim was Honorably Discharged in April 1951. In 1947 he moved to Aberdeen and on January 11, 1949, married Betty Lois York in Hoquiam. She resides in Hoquiam. He worked for Northwest Boring of Woodinville, WA having retired in the late 80’s. He also worked for Quiggs Brothers and in the 50’s owned a gas station in the harbor. He was a member of the International Operating Engineers Union, Local #32. He liked to play golf. Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Ellis of Hoquiam; two sons: Dane Ellis of Bellingham and Rod Ellis of Aberdeen. There will be a celebration of life at 1 PM Thursday, August 8th at Fern Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Bob Hoem will officiate. Military honors will be given by the United State Marine Corps and VFW Post 224 Honor Guard. A message of condolence or of a memory can be left for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.